Empathy Cards are the brainchild of artist Emily McDowell, a cancer survivor whose experience exposed a need: authentic support for serious illness.

The high prevalence of cancer and other life-threatening conditions has created an equally widespread call for meaningful support. Unfortunately, many times a failure to connect leads to an even greater feeling of isolation for the person suffering, making these sensitive topics a challenge for friends and family of terminally ill patients.

This is where Empathy Cards come in. In an effort to create authentic connections during times of major difficulty, the sentiments communicated in these cards hit the truth on the head, sparing all niceties — afterall, there is nothing nice about the reality of these situations.

Whether or not you’re currently supporting a loved one with a serious illness, let these cards inspire a commitment to communicate authentically and truly connect. Sometimes empathy is the best gift you can give.